Prop cleaning logistics question.

[SeaDave]

I'm hoping you can save me a bit of time/cost here.

I had my SeaRay 225 serviced towards the end of the summer - had it anti-fouled and an engine service and the propeller cleaned which took the up from sub 15 knots to over 30 again. It's a 2.8 diesel and goes well when all clean but slows right down when the prop gets grubby.

I'm assuming that having not used the boat since Oct the prop will be badly fouled? If so - is there an easy way for me to get it clean without taking the boat out of the water again. What do you all do - jump in and take it off underwater - is that advisable?

Any suggestions welcome - as I say, I only need to get the prop polished really, other than that it's fine. Do the props only get badly fouled in the summer? I'm quite new to all this so would appreciate any basic help.

Cheers.

 

[JKay]

lift the leg and clean the leg and prop from the bathing platform ?

 

[SeaDave]

lift the leg and clean the leg and prop from the bathing platform ?

Thanks Jkay - I have tried this in the past but my scouring pads didn't seem to do much - any suggestions on products?

 

[GrahamHR]

I used to do just that with our previous boat; the latest one has an extended swim platform which makes that impossible; no option but to get into the water and clean it. Why they didn't fit a hatch in the ESP to give access to the prop I don't know!

Graham

 

[JKay]

Thanks Jkay - I have tried this in the past but my scouring pads didn't seem to do much - any suggestions on products?

Wire brush from B&Q for cleaning the barbie then the generic brillo pads the prop is more important than the leg just get as much as you can off
just doing that got me from a struggling 18knots to 27knots although I cheat and take the props off and clean them on the bank (always have a fishing net under the props whilst removing them)

 

[SeaDave]

Cheers guys - I'll give that a whirl then. Wetsuit and wire brush it is!

If it doesn't work and I take it off (net is a good tip!) - I assume there's not loads of washers and stuff - just a single big nut?

 

[JKay]

http://www.wikihow.com/Install-Your-Mercruiser-Propeller

I've got Volvo legs! remember to put water proof grease inside the prop hub

some recommend motor cycle chain oil sprayed on the prop keeps it clean

cheers

 

[GrahamHR]

I found "scotchbrite" pads, or those yellow foam/ green abrasive scourer kitchen pads work well.

Graham

 

[SeaDave]

Thanks a million JK and Graham, great stuff - will let you know how I get on in a few weeks time.

 

[longjohnsilver]

After seeing it recommended on here I used brick cleaner on mine, about £7 from diy stores for 2.5lts, worked a treat, dissolved the crud, made cleaning very easy. Only used about half a litre to do 2 large props and 2 very fouled prop shafts. Just brush it on, leave for a few minutes, scrub it and wash off. Repeat if necessary. I used scotchbrite as a scrubber.